Wietrznia Nature Reserve with the Geoeducation Center in Kielce

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The Nature Reserve Wietrznia with the Geoeducation Centre is the largest reserve in the city Kielce (almost 18 ha) and is named after Zbigniew Rubinowski. The rocks found here began to be exploited in the 19th century. Here we can “read the history of the Earth” mainly from the Devonian period, whose rock wall is the longest geological cross-section in Poland (over 800 m long). Wandering along the educational path, we can learn from information boards, m.in. about the phenomena of: microtectonics, vein mineralization, karst and visit the modern Geoeducation Center, which is a place of permanent and temporary exhibitions on geological topics, as well as a place to conduct thematic workshops.

What We Love About This Place

The outskirts of the Wietrznia reserve have many points and scenic routes. There is a 60-metre-long cave with dripstone cover on Wietrznia. Near the reserve there is a small pond protected as an ecological site, which was created after the former excavation. Numerous landscape and historical values caused that the Geocentrum was established in Wietrznia. The modern glazed building is perfectly integrated into the mountainous terrain and emphasizes the uniqueness of the surroundings. Looking at this building, one may get the impression that it has been merged into the landscape thanks to its unusual shape, the use of a large amount of glazing and greenery, including on the roof.

This Place is Important Because

By visiting Wietrznia and Geocentrum, we expand our knowledge of geology and topics related to a given field and get to know the Świętokrzyski Region better. Here you can see the amazing scenery of the Devonian sea from 360 million years ago, experience a stay in an artificial cave and you can also take a journey through the history of the Earth on board the Capsule – a 5D Simulator. All this in a natural setting and in modern architecture with modern, interactive forms of communication aimed at children and young people. The facility is available for viewing all year round.

Special Tips

Being in Kielce, heading east, we approach Telegrafic Hill, where we can see hewn rocks covered with greenery, namely Wietrznia. The reserve is located exactly between Wojska Polskiego, Daleszycka and Księcia Józefa Poniatowskiego streets. Being in Wietrznia, you must visit the Geoeducation Center, where there is a multimedia exhibition describing the geological history of this area. This is an institution that focuses on geological education, using modern educational methods and tools.